Schools Programme

The contribution that the schools have made to Welsh Rugby, its development and progress, has been absolutely vital to the game in this country.

Successive generations of dedicated teachers, have sustained the game in the schools with a long and distinguished tradition.

Children are often introduced to the game of rugby at school, with tag and touch the usual first ports of call. The WRU strives to ensure that the level of coaching is of a high standard and that the game is played in an enjoyable manner.

As children get older and improve their skills they can move towards the more competitive seven or 15-a-side forms of the game. There is no limit to how far children can go, but the foundations are crucial, which is where schools come in.

Our development Officers work closely with Teachers and 'Active Young Persons Officers' in delivering a programme of Festivals and School Visits to give young players in both Primary and Secondary Education a positive experience of the game.

In the forthcoming season our development officers will strive to give all Primary schools in Wales an opportunity to participate in at least 3 Festival within their cluster group.

In a new initiative our development officers will offer Secondary Schools an opportunity to participate in Yr 7&8 Festivals where they will be asked to supply 2 teams for each festival and both scores will be added together to create a result, this will give young pupils that do not make their 1st school team a chance to represent the school and enjoy a positive rugby experience.

At U'15's we have the Dewar Shield National Competition where schools Districts compete initially in pools and the results determine then weather the District then plays in the Main Cup, Plate or Shield competition.

At Senior Schools we have a National Tertiary Collage League and also a National Schools League.

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was in a positive frame of mind at today's NatWest 6 Nations launch but admitted the opening clash in Cardiff was a 'massive' game as everyone is talking about the rise of Scotland.

Head coach Warren Gatland has selected two uncapped players - James Davies and Josh Adams - in his 39-man squad for the 2018 NatWest Six Nations. Ospreys second row Alun Wyn Jones will once again be his captain.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland revealed that he was satisfied with the two wins from four games during the autumn's Under Armour Series. WRU TV recaps the matches against Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa.